Our True Colors

This is it, y'all! The last episode of OTC! Join the cohosts and me as we reflect on this journey and enjoy the sampler platter we've prepared for you as we talk about the themes we explored, lessons learned, and incredible growth over the years! If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Visit True Colors Consulting! About This Episode: Part 1: The Mixed Tape with Jason I'm Gumbo, Baby! What's in a Name? Part 2: The Mixed Tape with Shannon, Carmen, and Yolandie Kickin it with Karlton HoskinsComing to Our CensusGood Vibes Family ReunionSticks and StonesGrowing Up Ambiguously Across the GenerationsUnwrapping the Gift of DialogueA Mother's LoveTalking H & M: Race and RoyaltyOther Stuff: Animated map shows the evolution of American accentsNPR Code Switch: Talk AmericanCaste: The Origins of Our DiscontentsSocials: ShawnaLinkedInShannon LinkedInInstagramCarmenInstagramTwitterYolandie HamiltonLinkedInInstagramFacebook“Meet the Cohosts” Episodes: Season 1: Meet ShannonSeason 2: Meet JasonSeason 3: Meet CarmenSeason 4: Meet Yolandie

This week I am joined by Joquina M. Reed, my colleague and dear friend. She is the founding steward of J Reed Consulting LLC. She is also the curator behind the Please Say Black podcast as well as the Divesting from Whiteness Podcast. Kina is deeply committed to global reparations for chattel enslavement and creating shared humanity. In this episode we explore new perspectives on belonging and how learning more about our identities can provide a welcome anchor to our personal narratives. If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!

Yay! Yolandie is back after taking a few months to be with her little one (if you listen carefully, you'll hear a little bit from her, too! 👶). In this episode, Yolandie (and sometimes Olivia) tells us about a play she is working on and the complexities of identity and stereotypes. This all made me very curious and, despite my congestion (sorry, y'all - guess I was keepin' it real), I had lots of questions for her about her experiences and the premise of the play. If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance! References By the Way, Meet Vera StarkMeet Yolandie! Season 4 CohostWill Smith in EmancipationWill Smith Has A Candid Answer After Getting Asked Why He Wanted To Make A Movie About SlaveryWill Smith Explains Why He Avoided Making Movies About Slavery: 'I Wanted to Be a Superhero'SPECIAL EPISODE: The Little Mermaid of ColorThe racist backlash to The Little Mermaid and Lord of The Rings is exhausting and extremely predictable

Prepare to be inspired! On this episode of OTC, I am talking with Dija Henry. Together we discuss her work in film and how the work supports the empowerment of authenticity all the way from the people contributing to the film to those viewing it. We go on to discuss the nuances of having a multicultural family and the connections that younger generations are making cross-culturally – a notion that is good for all of us to practice, including one's sense of belonging, particularly when you are racially ambiguous. We also talked about art being central to our lives, and there's a little bit of 80's and 90's nostalgia sprinkled in, too! Dija is a multi-award winning actress, filmmaker and CEO and founder of Blue House Entertainment, which is a social impact entertainment company dedicated to telling diverse stories that facilitate heart changing conversation to elevate our culture to a more equitable, inclusive and empathetic society. She also works to coach individuals who are working on their first film. In her free time, Dija likes to read, travel, watch movies with her family and have meaningful conversations with others. She's very grateful she has been able to take her family to two of their three countries of origin. India is next on the list! If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance! References and Resources Belonging: A Culture of PlaceDija Henry on InstagramThe Blue House on Instagram

On this episode of Our True Colors, I had the opportunity to spend time with Velda Thomas - sharing our thoughts on identity, growth, and belonging. Velda Thomas is the author of Blended: Perspectives on Belonging. She was born and educated in England, UK with family ancestry from Africa, the Caribbean, and the America's. Healing modalities have always been of interest to Velda. She has a love of plants and herbal remedies. For Velda, somatic and ritual experiences weave passion with grounded human experience for creativity and freedom of expression. Velda has worked as a kindergarten teacher, adult educator, birth doula, massage therapist, sound practitioner and writer. She is a horsewoman, nature lover, mover of the body and world traveler. Velda is currently living in Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula in the USA. Together, Velda and I talk about belonging to oneself and her sense of vibrational alignment with nature. If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance! Resources and References Musicians are Hooking Up Synthesizers to Plants for New Sonic PossibilitiesConnect Your Plant To A Moog Synth With MIDI SproutThe Woman King (2022)Whites Distrust Biracial People When Their Racial Presentation Varies, Rutgers Study FindsAsian Americans are Skeptical of Biracial People’s Racial Loyalties(Note: Jacqueline Chen is a former Our True Colors Guest. Check out her episode here.)

What a fantastic episode I have for you this week! I am joined by Joe Huang-Racalto, a Civil Rights lobbyist, who works for organizations that defend people who are enslaved in labor and sex trafficking, abused children, minorities living with HIV/AIDS, and humane animal welfare. He retired from Capitol Hill on June 1, 2017 as Chief of Staff. During his Congressional career, he focused on civil rights for women and LGBT Americans. He successfully led efforts to enact the Matthew Shepherd and James D. Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act, the Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA), and the reversal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. Additionally, he worked with his colleagues to successfully block cuts to Title IX. ***Warning*** This episode includes sensitive discussions of topics, such as suicide and other topics, which may be difficult for some listeners. If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance! References and Resources: Barney FrankWho is protected from employment discrimination?GOP lawmakers push historic wave of bills targeting rights of LGBTQ teens, children and their familiesJustice Thomas urges U.S. Supreme Court to feel free to reverse precedentsSupreme Court Dobbs DecisionChild Welfare League of AmericaWhat is Kinship Care?The (Only) 5 Fears We All Share

Rach Kass is a Nursing Station Technician (NST), life coach, and podcast host and joins us for this episode to talk about her experiences as the White mother of her five biracial children. Also joining us as a guest host, while Yolandie takes some time with her new little one, is Sarah Bacerra - a two-time former guest on OTC. Rachel and her husband, Chris, also host and produce Infusion Health Podcast. In this episode, she talks with us about being a White mom to biracial children and what that means for their family. ***Warning*** This episode includes sensitive discussions of topics, such as suicide, abuse, violence, and overt racism, that may be difficult for some listeners. If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!References Sarah Bacerra Episodes: Growing Up AmbiguouslyProcessing COVID-19: A MinisodeReferences and Resources: History made: Bruce’s Beach has been returned to descendants of Black familyWhite Kids: Growing Up with Privilege in a Racially Divided AmericaHow The Adultification Bias Contributes To Black TraumaImpression Management and Self Presentation (Goffman)

In this very special episode, I have a one-to-one real-talk session with my son, Christian Gann. Christian is back for his second interview on Our True Colors. If you missed the first interview, you can check it out here. It's linked below, as well. In this episode, Christian talks about his experiences as a multiracial makeup artist and drag queen and shares his perspectives as Aimee Amour. You don't want to miss it! If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!References References in this Episode: Aimee Amour on InstagramAimee Amour on TikTokIntersecting Communities: Pride & BLM

This week we are back with Part 2 of the interview with Amy Daniels. If you missed Part 1, you can check it out here. In this episode, Amy and I continue our conversation about her lived experiences as a Korean woman who was adopted by White parents and what it's meant moving through spaces where people around you have certain expectations about your identity. We talk about her experiences dating, the "Guest Pass", and even the importance of names. If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance! For Further Exploration The Color of WhitenessThe Problem with ‘People of Color’: It Implies Whiteness is the DefaultWhiteness and White Privilege

This episode is the first of a 2-part interview with my friend, Amy Daniels. I'd been wanting to interview her for a couple of years now, and she happened to be hanging out my place when we were like...let's do this! Amy is a superstar recruiter in the management consulting industry in the DC Metro area - sometimes called the "DMV" since it encompasses parts of Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. In this first part of her interview, Amy talks about navigating situations when people make assumptions about her identity, particularly as it pertains to her having been transracially adopted. Together we talk about the strange things folks do when they aren't sure "what you are" or "where you're from". Don't forget to follow or subscribe to the show so you don't miss Part 2, which will be coming out soon. If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance! References & Resources Key & Peele - Dating a Biracial GuyLee Atwater's Infamous 1981 Interview on the Southern StrategyDouble Consciousness and the Veil" by W.E.B. Du Bois: Summary and Analysis

Daniel Washington is an I/O Psychology Master's graduate with a passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He was born in New York City but raised in Atlanta, GA and moved back to New York City in August of 2018 to further his education in I/O Psychology. I received my Master's from Touro College in the summer of 2020. He is now I'm working towards furthering my career in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In this episode, Daniel talks with me about his identity journey and the way he has been working to confront the anti-Blackness that he grew up with. Realizing it was the first step - and what a hard realization! Check out this episode to hear his story. If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!

In this special episode of Our True Colors, Yolandie and I discuss Disney's new live action Little Mermaid, starring Halle Bailey as Ariel. Join us for this important conversation about social expectations and redefining norms. If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance! REFERENCES The Little Mermaid TrailerAI Technology Making Little Mermaid WhiteCharlotte La Bouff - "Man Catchin' Beignets"Racists Are Worried About the Historical Accuracy of Mermaids RELATED ARTICLES A New Ariel Inspires Joy for Young Black Girls: ‘She Looks Like Me’The Hashtag That Changed the Oscars: An Oral HistoryResearchers have found a major problem with ‘The Little Mermaid’ and other Disney moviesThe Original Version Of Cinderella Might Shock YouHere's How Disney Is Continuing To Honor Tiana, The First Black Disney PrincessCheerios ad with mixed-race family draws racist responses DIVERSITY ON THE STAGE AND SCREEN Whitney Houston CinderellaAlice in Wonderland: Sherman HemsleyAlice in Wonderland: Sammy Davis Jr.JK Rowling tells of anger at attacks on casting of black HermioneJ.K. Rowling Defends Casting Black Actress as Hermione in ‘Harry Potter’ PlayShereen Ahmed dreamed of playing Eliza Doolittle, not Princess Jasmine. Her wish came true HEART-WARMING REACTIONS Instagram: feministTikTok: brotherboy knows what's up

After a bit of a summer break, Yolandie and I are back with our guest Ashnie Butler. Ashnie's story starts on the island of Trinidad with roots going back to Southern India. She has lived on the east and west coast of the United States, currently residing in Portland, Oregon, with her non-binary teenager. Her passion for cooking took her to culinary school and started her journey of learning about cultures and people through their food. Once Ashnie completed her B.A. in American Multicultural Studies, she began seeking to affect change through economic justice. Her training in Theater of the Oppressed, Courage Conversations, Mindfulness and Coaching allows her to hold various racial and cultural identities with awareness, skill and presence, pointing individuals, groups and folks with organizations to their own best selves. In this episode, Ashnie shares her experiences of exploring and coming to understand her identity as it manifest in different settings outside of and inside of the United States. Her story leads to a compelling conversation of self-realization and social identity. If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations! Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance! Related to the convo: "Double Consciousness and the Veil" by W.E.B. Du Bois: Summary and Analysis

In this episode of Our True Colors, we welcome Karlton Hoskins, #1 International Best Selling Author, Business Owner, Real Estate Investor, and Strategist. In this episode we talk about business and go all the way back to roots. Do NOT miss this fascinating conversation that takes us around the world and back in time. If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations! Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance! Resources related to the convo: What Became of the Taíno?From Acadian to CajunThe Creole Community in The United States of America, a storyWhat's the difference between Cajun and Creole—or is there one?

In this fantastic episode with Payal Beri, we discuss what it's like living abroad for an extended amount of time as 3rd Culture folks. Along the way we talk about how this has equipped us to be empathetic and applying these life lessons to what we do every day. Come along for the ride! If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations! Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!

In this intriguing episode of Our True Colors, Sandra Hunter joins us to talk about her work with Wild Women Leaders of Colour and shares her own experiences of identity and "herstory". Together we talk about leaning on each other...and our ancestors...for support as we as women of color navigate space historically dominated by white men. Resources related to the convo: How a Lack of Sponsorship Keeps Black Women Out of the C-SuiteSista, Sista: How A Mentor Can Be The Key To Advancing Your CareerBattling the stereotypes: why black women need mentors not ‘angry’ labelsA Road Map for Advancing Women in TechFormer IKEA boss reveals the trick to going through a store in 5 minutes‘My Parents Decided To Outwit Everyone By Giving Their Daughter A White Man’s Name’Job Applicants With ‘Black Names’ Still Less Likely to Get InterviewsThe hidden tax on being differentThere is a tax on being differentHarvard Study Says Minority Job Candidates Are 'Whitening' Their Resumes When Looking for JobsIf this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations! Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!

I am so happy to welcome back Season 3 Cohost, Carmen Watson, to talk with me about the news of the US Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. I wanted to know her thoughts and perspectives as a Canadian and understand what conversations are happening among our neighbors to the north. Join us for this special episode as we discuss this incredibly impactful Supreme Court decision. Resources to Check Out Woman Whose Conception Sparked Roe v. Wade Case Breaks Silence: 'I'm Keeping a Secret but I Hate It'If Clarence Thomas were consistent, he'd oppose Loving v. VirginiaInterracial Marriage Under Attack: Thinking the UnthinkableClarence Thomas Signals Same-Sex Marriage and Contraception Rights at Risk After Overturning Roe v. WadeWhat access to abortion looks like across CanadaTrudeau calls U.S. Roe v. Wade reversal of abortion rights 'horrific'If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations! Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!

In this episode, we talk with Rahimeh Ramezany about identity and making assumptions about who people are and what their lived experiences must be. Rahimeh is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Intercultural Specialist, whose work is focused on addressing the experiences of marginalized ethnic, racial, and religious communities in the United States, in order to create change on individual, interpersonal, and systemic levels. Rahimeh has a Master's degree in Intercultural Communication from San Jose State University, and has worked at multiple DEI-focused nonprofits and consulting firms. If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations! Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!

Ruthie Bowles is a US Army Veteran, mom to four kids, and lives in Maryland with her family, goats, and chickens. She focuses on bringing awareness to the unethical tactics and strategies in the small business coaching and consulting industry. Ruthie is also an audiobook narrator. She joins OTC this episode to talk about the difference between work-life balance and work-life harmony. Too often we try to juggle everything all at once rather than looking for how we can do some ebb and flow. Ruthie also talks with us in this episode about teasing out powerful coaches and consultants from those who are just out to pitch slap you. While everyone can use a great coach, Ruthie warns about those with unhealthy marketing and sales tactics that are all about selling hot air and not results. If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations! Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance! References you might find interesting: Work-Life HarmonyBelgium, Portugal And Other European Countries Prohibit Managers From Contacting Employees Outside Of Working Hours

Join Yolandie and me this week as we chat with my wonderful friend, Twanette Barrett. She is a retired army vet and now a life coach living in Bali, Indonesia. If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations! Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!